Daily
Reading
Don’t be in a hurry. Slow down. Take the time to think about it. Write out the answers to the questions. Spend some time praying! Make a list of things you want to pray about today and pray through them. This is one of the ways we honestly seek Jesus. Give it your best! See what happens!
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Monday — Don’t Be Deceived
Matthew 24:3–13 — The disciples ask about the signs, and Jesus warns them about deception, suffering, and endurance.
Read: Matthew 24:3–13
Questions:
- What exactly are the disciples asking Jesus in verse 3, and what does Jesus emphasize instead of giving them a timetable?
- Jesus says there will be wars, suffering, deception, and persecution. Which of these tends to make you most fearful or distracted, and how does Jesus tell you to respond?
- Verse 12 says, “the love of many will grow cold.” Where are you most tempted to become cynical, angry, or spiritually cold—and what would it look like to keep loving like Jesus?
- Prayer focus: Ask God to give you discernment without fear and endurance without losing love.
Matthew 24:3–13 (NLT)
3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?[fn]”
4 Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.[fn] 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Tuesday — Jesus Is Coming in Glory
Matthew 24:23–31 — Jesus contrasts false messiahs with the unmistakable return of the true King.
Read: Matthew 24:23–31
Questions:
- What does Jesus say about false Christs and false prophets, and why do you think deception becomes such a prominent warning?
- How does Jesus describe His actual return in verses 29–31? What does this teach you about who Jesus is?
If you genuinely believed that Jesus could return and that His coming will be unmistakable, what would change about the way you live today?
Prayer focus: Thank Jesus that our hope isn’t in circumstances getting better but in the King coming again.
Matthew 24:23–31 (NLT)
23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.
26 “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! 27 For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man[fn] comes. 28 Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.[fn]
29 “Immediately after the anguish of those days,
the sun will be darkened,
the moon will give no light,
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.[fn]
30 And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.[fn] 31 And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world[fn]—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
Wednesday — Ready, Even When Life Feels Normal
Matthew 24:36–44 — Jesus says no one knows the day or hour and compares His return to the days of Noah.
Read: Matthew 24:36–44
Questions:
- Why is it significant that Jesus tells us we don’t know the day or hour? How should that affect the way we think about predictions concerning Christ’s return?
- What were people doing in the days of Noah? Why does Jesus use ordinary activities like eating, drinking, and getting married to illustrate His point?
Jesus says, “Therefore you also must be ready.” What does being spiritually ready actually look like in your life this week?
Prayer focus: Ask God to help you live with expectancy without becoming obsessed with dates or predictions.
Matthew 24:36–44 (NLT)
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.[fn] Only the Father knows.
37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.
40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
Thursday — What Will Jesus Find Us Doing?
Matthew 24:45–51 — The faithful and unfaithful servants.
Read: Matthew 24:45–51
Questions:
- What distinguishes the faithful servant from the wicked servant? What does each believe about the master’s return?
- The wicked servant says, “My master is delayed.” Where might we be tempted to live as though Jesus isn’t really coming?
- If Jesus returned today, what would you hope He would find you doing? What is one area where you need to become more faithful?
Prayer focus: Ask God to make you faithful in the ordinary things He has already entrusted to you.
Matthew 24:45–51 (NLT)
45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Friday — Stay Ready While You Wait
Matthew 25:1–13 — The parable of the ten virgins.
Read: Matthew 25:1–13
Questions:
All ten virgins were waiting for the bridegroom, but only five were prepared. What does this teach us about the difference between knowing about Jesus’ return and actually being ready for it?
The bridegroom was delayed. How can waiting test our faith, patience, and commitment to Christ?
What spiritual practices help keep your relationship with Jesus alive and prepared—especially when His return feels distant?
Prayer focus: Ask God to keep your heart awake and your faith alive while you wait.
Saturday — Faithful With What God Has Given You
Matthew 25:14–30 — The parable of the talents.
Read: Matthew 25:14–30
Questions:
- What did each servant do with what the master entrusted to him? What does this teach you about God’s expectations for His people?
- What has God entrusted to you—your time, relationships, abilities, resources, opportunities, influence, or spiritual gifts? Which of these are you using well?
- If Jesus returned and asked, “What did you do with what I gave you?”, how would you answer?
Prayer focus: Ask God to show you one thing He has entrusted to you that you need to use more faithfully.
Matthew 25:14–30 (NLT)
Parable of the Three Servants
14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver[fn] to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together![fn] ’
22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Sunday — Love Like the King Is Coming
Matthew 25:31–40 — The sheep and the goats.
Read: Matthew 25:31–40
Questions:
- What kinds of people does Jesus say the righteous noticed and cared for? What does this reveal about the kind of King Jesus is?
- Jesus says, “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Who are the people you are most likely to overlook, avoid, or dismiss?
- If Jesus’ return is certain, how should that change the way you love people this week? Is there someone you need to serve, forgive, encourage, visit, or reach out to?
Prayer focus: Ask Jesus to make His love visible through you—especially toward people who cannot give anything back to you.
Matthew 25:31–40 (NLT)
The Final Judgment
31 “But when the Son of Man[fn] comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations[fn] will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[fn] you were doing it to me!’
Responding to King Jesus
MONDAY — Receive His Invitation
Matthew 11:28–30
Jesus invites weary people to come to Him—not to a religious system, not to a list of rules, but to Himself. His invitation is gracious, but it also calls us to take His yoke and learn from Him.
Questions:
- What are you carrying right now that Jesus is inviting you to give to Him? Be specific.
- Where are you trying to handle life on your own instead of learning to live under Jesus’ leadership?
- What would it look like today to actually “come to Jesus” rather than simply think about Him?
Prayer:
Jesus, help me stop carrying what You have asked me to surrender. Teach me to trust You and live under Your leadership today.
Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
TUESDAY — Give God What Belongs to Him
Romans 12:1–13
Paul describes what it looks like to respond to God’s mercy with our whole lives. We aren’t simply giving God a portion of ourselves; we offer ourselves to Him as living sacrifices.
Questions:
- What part of your life are you most tempted to keep under your own control?
- What is one practical way you could offer your time, abilities, money, or relationships to God this week?
- Where do you need to stop conforming to the patterns around you and allow God to change the way you think?
Prayer:
Father, my life belongs to You. Show me what I am holding back and help me surrender it to You.
Romans 12:1–13 (NLT)
A Living Sacrifice to God
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[fn] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[fn] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
3 Because of the privilege and authority[fn] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[fn] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[fn] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[fn] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
WEDNESDAY — Trust His Word
Psalm 119:9–20
The psalmist describes God’s Word as something to treasure, obey, meditate on, and depend upon. Following Jesus means allowing His Word—not our feelings, culture, or preferences—to shape how we live.
Questions:
- What currently has more influence over your decisions than God’s Word?
- Is there something God has already said that you know you need to obey?
- What is keeping you from doing it?
- What could you change about your daily routine to give God’s Word a more significant place in your life?
Prayer:
God, give me a hunger for Your Word. Help me not only to know what You say but to trust it enough to obey it.
Psalm 119:9–20 (NLT)
9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
Gimel
17 Be good to your servant,
that I may live and obey your word.
18 Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.
19 I am only a foreigner in the land.
Don’t hide your commands from me!
20 I am always overwhelmed
with a desire for your regulations.
THURSDAY — Trust His Resurrection Power
1 Corinthians 15:12–23
The resurrection isn’t simply an important Christian doctrine. It changes how we understand death, suffering, hope, and the future. Because Christ was raised, those who belong to Him have hope beyond this life.
Questions:
- What fear in your life would look different if you genuinely believed that Jesus has conquered death?
- Where do you need resurrection hope right now—something that feels lost, broken, or beyond repair?
- How should the reality of the resurrection change the way you live today, not just the way you think about eternity?
Prayer:
Jesus, help me live like the resurrection is actually true. Give me courage where I am afraid and hope where I feel discouraged.
1 Corinthians 15:12–23 (NLT)
The Resurrection of the Dead
12 But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? 13 For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.
21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.
FRIDAY — Love God With Everything
Deuteronomy 6:1–13
Jesus’ greatest commandment comes directly from this passage. Loving God isn’t merely an emotion or something we say in church. It involves our whole heart and affects the way we live, think, teach, work, and order our homes.
Questions:
- If someone watched the way you spent your time and money this week, what would they conclude you love most?
What part of your heart, soul, or mind have you been keeping separate from God?
What is one concrete thing you can do today to put God first in your home, work, or relationships?
Prayer:
Lord, I don’t want to give You just part of my life. Teach me to love You with my whole heart, soul, and mind.
Deuteronomy 6:1–13 (NLT)
A Call for Wholehearted Commitment
1 “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, 2 and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. 3 Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
4 “Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.[fn] 5 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
10 “The LORD your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give you when he made a vow to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. 11 The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land, 12 be careful not to forget the LORD, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. 13 You must fear the LORD your God and serve him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name.
SATURDAY — Love Your Neighbor
Philippians 2:1–11
Jesus doesn’t merely call us to love God vertically. His love changes the way we treat people horizontally. Paul points us to Jesus, who willingly humbled Himself and put the needs of others ahead of His own.
Questions:
- Who is one person you have been tempted to avoid, criticize, or become impatient with?
- What would it look like to put that person’s interests ahead of your own this week?
- Where is pride getting in the way of loving someone well?
Prayer:
Jesus, give me Your heart. Help me become less concerned with myself and more willing to serve, forgive, encourage, and make room for others.
Philippians 2:1–11 (NLT)
Have the Attitude of Christ
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,[fn]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[fn];
he took the humble position of a slave[fn]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[fn]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
SUNDAY — Who Is Jesus to You?
Matthew 22:41–46
Matthew 22 ends with Jesus asking the religious leaders a question about the identity of the Messiah. They knew Scripture, but they struggled to recognize the One standing in front of them.
The chapter that began with an invitation ends by forcing us to answer the most important question: Who is Jesus?
Questions:
- If Jesus truly is King, what area of your life needs to come under His leadership today?
- Are you treating Jesus primarily as someone who helps your life, or as the King who owns your life? What is the difference?
- What is one decision you need to make this week that would demonstrate that Jesus—not you—is King?
Prayer:
Jesus, You are not simply my helper, teacher, or example. You are King. Help me receive Your invitation, surrender what belongs to You, trust Your Word and resurrection power, and love You with everything I have.
Matthew 22:41–46 (NLT)
Whose Son Is the Messiah?
41 Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
They replied, “He is the son of David.”
43 Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’? For David said,
44 ‘The LORD said to my Lord,
Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’[fn]
45 Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”
46 No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.